A jury in Loudoun County found Purcellville Vice Mayor Carl “Ben” Nett guilty of conflict of interest but allowed him to retain his council seat, fueling ongoing tensions in the small Virginia town. The verdict was delivered on Monday by a seven-member jury following a citizen-led recall effort, which ultimately failed to remove Nett from office despite the guilty finding.

Nett, who has faced a series of allegations related to his conduct as an elected official and former police officer, remains a controversial figure in Purcellville. The recall campaign was sparked by accusations of financial impropriety, violation of town policies, and conflicts between his roles as a police officer and council member. Nett, who was elected two years ago as part of an anti-development faction known as “Team Mayberry,” has denied all charges, describing them as part of a coordinated campaign to damage his reputation.

During Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, Nett resumed his responsibilities without addressing the verdict. However, several residents spoke out during the public comment period, expressing frustration and concern about the continued political strife enveloping the community. Some warned that voters would have a chance to register their dissatisfaction in the upcoming November elections. Nett’s current council term runs through 2028, while Mayor Christopher Bertaut and council member Carol Luke, who are also part of “Team Mayberry,” are set to finish their terms at the end of the year and have not filed for reelection.

Brian Morgan, a Purcellville resident and organizer of the recall effort, voiced disappointment over the jury’s decision. He questioned how Nett could be found guilty yet remain in office, highlighting divisions among residents on the council’s legitimacy. Others, such as former council member Joan Lehr, criticized the perceived negative impact of the ongoing political battles on the town’s reputation and functionality.

The conflict has spilled into council meetings, where tensions have manifested in disruptions and new rules limiting audience behavior, including prohibitions on talking, eating, and clapping. At one point during Tuesday’s session, an audience member placed a sign on the speaker’s podium declaring the meeting a “circus,” only for it to be swiftly removed by a clerk.

Nett’s legal troubles extend beyond the recall. In July, a grand jury indicted him and the then-town manager, Kwasi Fraser, on charges of attempting to manipulate the awarding of a $12,000 contract related to the police department’s assessment. Both have pleaded not guilty and await trial. Additionally, Nett faces criminal charges of bid-rigging, prompting Virginia’s General Assembly to pass legislation requiring the suspension of public officials charged with crimes in Northern Virginia pending resolution. A hearing to consider Nett’s possible suspension has been scheduled for May 7.

Purcellville, located approximately 50 miles west of Washington, D.C., has been marked by this political turmoil for more than a year, characterized by lawsuits, criminal investigations, and divisive campaign efforts. The town’s residents remain sharply divided as political and legal proceedings continue to unfold.